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From glassy reservoirs to tumbling whitewater, Putah Creek offers outdoor enthusiasts plenty of places to paddle, watch wildlife or toss a hook in the water. Flowing through Napa and Sacramento valleys, as well as the University of California at Davis campus, a stay at a campground alongside the creek feels miles away from it all while keeping you close to area attractions.

Near the Headwaters

Canyon Creek Resort lies along the tumbling waters of Putah Creek, 3 miles east of Napa. Although the creek picks up size on its 40-mile journey to the Sacramento River, you can tube, boat, fish and swim at Canyon Creek. The resort has full hookups for RVs and primitive sites for tents. Enjoy hot showers, flush restrooms and a gated entry. The resort provides a clubhouse where your family will find plenty to keep them busy, including barbecues, dances, games and classes.

A Wide Spot in the Creek

Lake Solano County Park and Campground lies 4 miles southwest of Winters. While the lake is not nearly as large as Lake Berryessa, it offers fly-fishing that is considered to be some of the best in the Sacramento Valley. Camp along the lake's shores in the shade of cottonwood, black walnut willow and oak trees. The park's 58 campsites come both with and without electrical hookups. Hot showers, flush toilets and sinks makes roughing it not quite so rough. Enjoy a free boat launch, picnic facilities, a nature center and trails leading to the Putah Creek State Wildlife Area.

As Far as the Eye Can See

Putah Creek flows into Lake Berryessa just north of the Napa Valley. The creek rolls into the reservoir, quickly expanding to 3 miles wide in the 26 miles of reservoir known as Lake Berryessa. Putah Canyon Campground -- formerly Putah Creek Park -- has 46 tent-only sites with barbecues and tables where the creek enters the reservoir. RV campers can enjoy 16 sites especially set up to accommodate large rigs or one of 36 sites designed for tents or trailers. Pets are welcome at the campground, but expect to pay a nominal per diem charge. An on-site boat launch is available to use for an extra fee. The park has flush toilets, hot showers and laundry. Three more campgrounds suitable for both RVs and tent are tucked around the lake's shore.

At Creek's End

Near the end of the Putah River, the West Sacramento KOA lies 11 miles east of University of California at Davis. Enjoy easy driving access to visit the university's riparian reserve stretching 5.5 miles along the creek's banks. The KOA has a variety of accommodations including camping cabins, tent sites and full hookups for RVs up to 90 feet long. Navigate the park's waterway in a pedal boat, put your hook in the water at the fishing pond or cool off in the pool. KOA's amenities include Wi-Fi at each site, cable TV, a pool and hot showers.

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About the Author

A former world-class swimmer, J.T. O'Connell shares her love of adventure travel, extreme sports and pets through thousands of published articles. O'Connell studied journalism at Grand Canyon University, and brings professional experience as a tour guide and travel consultant. She authors the blog, Traveling With Large Dogs.